Karli Ingle, also known as Krafty Karli, has quite the unique embroidery journal. Everytime she finishes reading a book, she embroiders a book on her bookshelf depicting that book. Each shelf represents a different genre from top to bottom: Poetry & Non-Fiction, Mystery & Thriller, Romance, Fantasy, Magical Realism, and Fantasy overflow. On top of reading, Karli also teaches and practices an abundance of hobbies – it’s a wonder that she has time to update her book journal as well!
When recruiting artists to be interviewed for A Stitch a Day, I knew that I had to interview Karli. Her Book Journal is just such a unique and refreshing concept. It’s such a creative form of daily stitching and I can’t wait to see how her book journal turns out at the end of the year! For now, I think you’ll enjoy reading Karli’s answers to her interview questions.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a third year Middle School Intensive Special Education Teacher! I teach by day and stitch by night. I also teach dance! I have a lot of hobbies such as other crafts, painting, dancing, singing, hiking, reading, and playing with my beautiful dog, Luna.
What inspired you to begin a book journal?
I love this question!! Last year, 2022, I decided to challenge myself and improve my stitching by doing a daily stitch journal. I stitched a picture or word for every day of the year! I gained a lot of followers on Facebook and TikTok from that project which increased my amount of orders!! My job this year is also more demanding, so I knew I couldn’t keep up with a daily stitch journal again. I wanted to do some sort of journal throughout the whole year, but not something daily. I saw someone else make a book journal on an embroidery Facebook page. They had colored spines and a few shelf items. I decided to take that and run with it! I thought, why not create categories on my journal? I also challenged myself to read more books than I ever have because now I had a visual of them! I stitch a spine or cover inspired by the story. I also enjoy adding shelf items that I would have in real life and are meaningful to the plot of the story 🙂
What have been some of your favourite books that you’ve read this year?
My top three favorite books I have read this year have been “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros, “One Dark Window” by Rachel Gillig, and “The Cartographers” by Peng Shepherd. I also thoroughly enjoyed “The World of the Narrows” series by Adrienne Young.
Side note: I posted a video of my book journal on TikTok after I read “One Dark Window” and the author commented on it and said she was honored to be on my book journal! It was AMAZING!
How did you learn how to embroider?
I taught myself how to embroider during the COVID shutdown. I was disappointed because I was missing many opportunities and trips, so I began a new hobby. I got an embroidery kit from Etsy, and fell in love! I’ve always loved making things, but something about embroidering just made sense! It was like painting with thread! When I didn’t know what I was doing, I watched YouTube and TikTok videos to teach me. I must admit that I still don’t know all the stitches and names! I mostly just do whatever looks and feels right! I am continuously learning.
How have you managed to stay motivated throughout the year?
I LOVE reading! But with my teaching career, and small business, I mostly listen to audiobooks. I love reading and discovering new authors! I also can’t leave things unfinished, so I had to finish this journal once I started!! Seeing this journal slowly fill up and come to life has been so rewarding! It’s self motivating 🙂
Do you plan on creating another book journal in 2024?
I am not sure yet! I can’t decide what other type of journal I could do 🙂
Are there any books that you are looking forward to adding to your Book Journal?
YES! I can’t wait to add “Iron Flame” and “Two Twisted Crowns” which are both the second books to my favorite books from this year!!
What do you plan on doing with your project once you finish it?
I am planning on turning it into a pillow for my reading couch!!
What tips do you have for someone wanting to start a book journal?
I would also recommend to think about how you want your layout to be. I settled on 6 shelves and made each shelf a specific genre. It has forced me to branch out and read out of my favorite genre, Fantasy, because I don’t want any shelves empty! Also, have fun with it!!! It’s your own shelf, don’t worry what anyone else thinks! Also, don’t be ashamed of the books you read 🙂
Where can we find you online?
I am known as @krafty_karli on instagram, you can find me on Facebook by my name: Karli Ingle, and my TikTok is @kkaye_80. I mostly post in my TikTok 🙂
If you’re interested in being interviewed for my A Stitch A Day series, my slots are currently filled. You can sign up for my newsletter to be notified when I am looking for more artists to speak about their Embroidery Journals and similar projects. If you are interested in creating your own embroidery journal, I have a variety of digital and kit resources available in my Etsy shop.
Enjoyed this post? Then check out some of my other blog posts or purchase the in-depth embroidery journal guide. You can also join the free Embroidery Journaling Facebook Group to chat with others working on their own Embroidery Journals. You can also follow me on any of the following social media websites: